Photo Essay: A Hallowed Groundbreaking

Perhaps it should be called a hallowed-ground groundbreaking.

The new entryway, plaza and wall along Camino Capistrano is in the last 60 years.

On Wednesday, local officials, mission represenatives and dignatories made the first, ceremonial digs to kick off the project.

"This phase of the project is only happening because of the incredible generosity of our leadership and private supporters who believe that the entry of the Mission should be architecturally inviting and preserve its most historic elements at the same time," said Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, executive director of .

Speaking before a gathering of about 100, Lawrence-Adams praised the Mission Preservation Foundation for turning the idea of the gatehouse preservation project into reality.

"This foundation has achieved what 100 years ago the Landmarks Club wanted to achieve," she said.

City officials, including Mayor Larry Kramer, Mayor Pro Tem John Taylor, City Manager Karen Brust and council member Sam Allevato, joined Mission Preservation Foundation members, Landmarks Club members and donors gathered inside the mission gates for the start of the historic construction. 

They were flanked by mission employees, docents, gardening angels and supportive community members.  

The remodel will include removing the existing entry gate that was built in the mid-1950s, as well as a ticket area that was built about the same time. A new entry gate and arch that will "evoke the appearance" of the original arch entry from the 1920s will be built along with a new, 15-foot-high, 1,750-square-foot gift shop. The gift shop is being relocated from the historic La Sala building that was once home to .

The project also includes a new entry gate for group admissions, the removal of three trees, rehabilitation of the existing 1916-gate house, the removal of about 126 linear feet of wall built in 1952, and the addition of planters, seat walls and benches.

Mission Preservation Foundation President George O'Connell directed onlookers to take note of the existing Gate House, which was built in the early 1900s.

"The last time a gatehouse was built here was 1916," O'Connell said. "That building right there, Father (St. John) O'Sullivan probably was in that building selling tickets himself.

"I am excited to witness the start of construction on the first new building at Mission San Juan Capistrano since the 1950s. Together we are making history and ensuring that this great landmark will be around for many generations to come," O'Connell said.